Pet remains dumped in Bulacan: What we know so far

REMAINS. Local officers exhume remains of pets buried in Bulacan allegedly by a pet crematorium based in Cavite. Luna and Furry Siblings Facebook page Animal rescue groups are helping pet owners file complaints against a Bacoor crematorium following allegations that it dumped their pets' remains in Bulacan Bacoor City Mayor Strike Revilla ordered the closure of Ahjay Paws Aftercare Pet Crematorium after the remains of 25 dogs and cats were found dumped in Bulacan, raising concerns about the crematorium's practices. Bulacan police also exhumed 18 animal remains for identification by their owners. Pet owners are preparing complaints against the crematorium for alleged deception and violations of local ordinances, with support from animal welfare organizations condemning the incident and advocating for justice. This is AI-generated. Read the article for full context. Report any errors. MANILA, Philippines – Bacoor City Mayor Strike Revilla on Saturday, October 31, ordered the closure of a local pet crematorium after the remains of dogs and cats that were supposed to be cremated were found dumped in a vacant lot in San Jose del Monte City, Bulacan. Revilla said the closure order against Ahjay Paws Aftercare Pet Crematorium had been implemented following a meeting with the crematorium’s owner, Jonathan Legaspi, and more than 30 pet owners who had entrusted their deceased animals to the business. The San Jose del Monte City Police Station (SJDM CPS) earlier reported finding 25 dogs and cats inside seven large sacks near Barangay Minuyan Proper. Residents reported a foul odor on October 31, while witnesses told police they had seen a white van and unidentified individuals unloading the sacks early on October 29. Crematorium owner unable to prove pets were cremated Revilla said the crematorium had a valid business permit to provide cremation services in Bacoor. It operated two cremation machines, one in Bacoor and another reportedly in Caloocan. Legaspi acknowledged that some pets had been taken to Caloocan for cremation. However, he could not provide sufficient documents or other evidence to establish that the cremations had actually taken place. The owner also could not confirm if the animals found in the viral posts were among those entrusted to the business. According to Revilla, the establishment had no CCTV footage or sufficient documentation to prove that the pets had been cremated or that the ashes returned to customers came from their animals. The mayor said he had directed the city’s legal office, Business Permits and Licensing Department, Environment Service Department, and City Veterinary Office to investigate the establishment. Police exhumes 18 animal remains In a separate update on Saturday, the SJDM CPS said authorities had exhumed previously buried animal remains after pet owners sought to identify and retrieve their deceased pets. The operation recovered 16 dogs and two cats. Police said unclaimed remains would be reburied at the Citrus Public Cemetery in San Jose del Monte because of decomposition and possible health risks. It was also coordinating with the city veterinary office and the City Environment and Natural Resources Office to investigate the disposal of the animals. Rescue group Luna And Furry Siblings said all the recovered animals had been claimed by their owners. It also called on the public to help gather CCTV footage, provide USB drives, and fund the printing of evidence as it prepares to file complaints. Pet owners prepare complaints The Bacoor City Police Station and Barangay Kaingin-Digman assisted pet owners in documenting their complaints, Revilla said. Some were seeking compensation and damages, while others planned to pursue cases with the police. The Bacoor City Police Station is handling complaints for estafa and civil damages, while the San Jose del Monte police is handling complaints involving alleged violations of local sanitation and solid waste ordinances, according to the SJDM CPS. The Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) condemned what it described as the alleged deception of pet owners who paid for cremation services, only to find that their animals’ remains had reportedly been dumped instead. PAWS said the alleged acts may constitute estafa under the Revised Penal Code. It urged affected pet owners to preserve receipts, certificates, communications, photographs, and other records related to the service, and to seek legal assistance. “The bond between a person and a companion animal does not end with death,” it said. “PAWS stands with affected pet parents in seeking truth, accountability, and justice.” The Animal Kingdom Foundation also condemned the incident, saying the dogs and cats were not garbage but family members whose owners had paid to give them a dignified farewell. The foundation described the disposal of the animals’ remains as an act of betrayal and a failure to value the trust placed in those entrusted with their care. “Lahat sila ay inilaban ng kanilang mga pamilya hanggang sa huling hininga,” the group said. “At ng matalo sa laban ay ginastusan upang mabigyan ng maganda at marangal na pamamaalam.“ (Their families fought for them until their very last breath. And when the battle was lost, their families spared no expense to give them a beautiful and dignified farewell.) – Rappler.com How does this make you feel? Loading